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ABC...

1/26/2015

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... maybe not always as easy as 1 2 3, but it sums up my last week quite nicely!  Let me explain...

A is for... Alcohol Abstinence!

Yep, I've nearly finished Dry January, all in the name of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.  Why the MNDA?  Well, take a look at my Just Giving page to find out!  Or if you just want to throw caution to the wind and support this amazing charity (and inspire me to see out the rest on the month!) text GOMB99 £5 to 70070.  Simples!

B is for... Blogging!

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Well, duh!  But not just here - I've been writing about how my beloved London has kept me entertained during the first 31 days of the year.  Yesterday I ticked off three of my own suggestions with some art exhibitions, a walk along the Southbank and a trip to the cinema.  Read more of my sober strategies here...and then check out my latest review for Operation:Pizza to see how one of the biggest chains compares. 

And C is for... Crafting!

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Happy Birthday Elaine!
Okay, so I made the bag above earlier this month, but it was a birthday present for my cousin and I didn't want to spoil her surprise!  This weekend, however, I finished off my latest upcycling project, turning two pine stools I picked up for £1.50 into Shelly Berry Originals - check it out!
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Before...
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... and after!
And D?  Well, when the clock strikes midnight on Saturday it will be for... drinking! 

Okay, so maybe I have a problem...
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Drying OUT

1/4/2015

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Happy New Year everyone!

Well, Christmas is over, and January is upon us - and for some reason this means that half the population have decided to give up alcohol.  In the past I have groaned when my mates have forgone a pint in favour of a cup of tea, but this year I have decided to join them.  Yes, you read that correctly - I'm off the booze for a whole month, and, to keep me on the straight and narrow, I'm going to do it for charidee, so watch this space for a link to my Just Giving page!
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Another crafty Christmas gift - modelled by the lovely Nic!
I have to admit that it has become apparent that a glass of vino had become a regular accompaniment to a relaxing night in, and, without it, I have noticed that I find it harder to switch off - which means I have gone into DIY overdrive!  Since returning from my festive travels I have pretty much decorated my bathroom and started up-cycling my kitchen stools, and am planning my next crafting projects.  So, come February, I intend to have made yet another homemade gift and possibly a yoga mat bag too!  Pictures to follow...

That doesn't mean that I won't be writing too - or rather, getting on with another round of editing and typing up my latest short story which I hand wrote when sans netbook.  Oh yeah. and then there's Operation:Pizza - I think we may have a winner, which you can read all about here...

Anyway, on that note, I'm off to dig out my knitting needles whilst I boil the kettle for a lovely herbal tea. 

I hardly recognise myself...
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Going green

9/28/2014

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PictureI'm getting there....
DE-FENSE!  DE-FENCE!
Yep, I'm watching the American Football live from our very own Wembley.  It's been a busy weekend, what with another installment for Operation:Pizza, upcycling (I WILL finish that bookcase, I WILL,) editing, and booking a foray to Berlin for my Birthday, so I'm enjoying watching someone else run around for a change...
I've also been doing my bit for the planet.  Earlier this year I came to the conclusion that, rather than solely supporting charities that help people, it was time to help the physical world that we rely on to exist.  So, on Friday, I joined the Conservation Volunteers at Lloyd Park for a few hours before heading out to a fundraiser for Greenpeace.  Okay, so I know some of you might find their methods extreme, but until our Government starts putting sanctions on those corporations that seem hell-bent on putting profit before the environment, someone needs to take action - and action Greenpeace take.

PictureCome on you lot - Hop to it!
Anyway, mini rant over, it was a great night, and I fully recommend their dos to anyone who wants to support their work whilst enjoying live music, comedy and cake.  Besides, who says giving to charity has to be completely selfless?  Weeding around sapling trees and clearing rosebeds of litter on Friday was a very calming experience and one I probably wouldn't have signed up to if I hadn't expected some personal benefit.  Even after giving blood on Tuesday I got a packet of ginger nuts and several glasses of squash.  It almost made the dizzy spell worth it!
So, so forth people - do something for charidee.  Just make sure you enjoy it too...

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Look me up sometime...

9/21/2014

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PictureWhat you lookin' at?
Evening all!
Hope you have all had a lovely weekend, relaxing indoors perhaps, safe in the knowledge that you go about your business without prying eyes paying attention to your every move?  Yes?
Well I'm sorry, but I'm going to spoil it for you.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a lovely weekend visiting friends out on the commuter belt and, prior to that, enjoyed a night out with the girlies in London.  But what I have learnt during these jollies has left me disturbed.  You see, what I have learnt is about cyber-stalking - and how scarily easy it is.
Take scenario number one.  Girl goes to an open mic night.  Girl sees boy and decides she quite likes him, but can't quite muster the courage to begin a conversation.  However, her interest surpasses her shyness and she "friends" him on facebook, looks up where his next gig is - and drags me along (after I've looked him up online myself, of course!).  Girl again couldn't bring herself to talk to the said young man, but has sent him an innocent query via the medium of social media about his work
And then there's scenario number two.  Girl visits wildlife hospital with mates.  Girl comments of attractiveness of male giving a talk about, let's say, hedgehogs.  Later that evening, after a couple of glasses of wine, girl and mates, armed with his first name, place of work and home town (more fool him for disclosing this during talk about his prickly friends) are able to locate him on Twitter, facebook and You Tube.  Girl promptly follows boy, but will be unfollowing him before posting this blog (for obvious reasons).  Besides, his girlfriend looks really nice, and is only 20...

PictureStalking fuel...
Finally scenario number three - girl and mates then start googling each other and their other mates.  Girl is relieved to find nothing too incriminating about herself (well, under her real name anyway) - apart from an email sent for her day job that has been released under the Freedom of Information Act - eeek!  Luckily it was very short and did not include any bad jokes, but STILL!  Another mate came up a little worse for wear, with names of siblings, ex wives and financial situation being easily accessible.  Yikes...
So... the moral of the story?  Look yourself up - and get yourself removed from any sites you don't want to be named on.  Oh, and if you want to find out the relationship status of "Dave" who works at your local, message my mate Jules - damn that girl is good!
Oh, and if all that stalking makes you hungry, go eat pizza.  I recommend my mate Phil's creations but, if you don't fancy a trip to Bucks and live in London,, check out Operation:Pizza - new blog posted on Friday.  
Of course if you do fancy Phil's Parma Ham Special, just look him up online - I'm sure you can find him...

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Zzzzz......

9/16/2014

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So.  I usually get this blog out every Sunday.  But for some reason I've been really tired the last couple of days and just didn't really have the energy to write it.


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I have no idea why.  I mean, I've had a five day weekend to get it done.  Okay, so I've been out and about a bit, meeting friends for food and drink, going to the Stow Music Festival...

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... and checking out other artists at work at Making:Uncovered, but the rest of the time I've been chilling.  Well, apart from replacing the light fitting in my lounge, sorting out my electricity account, setting up my life insurance, and registering with a GP that is.  


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But other than that I've just been pottering at home, mainly sat on my backside writing my Operation:Pizza blog, my Overground Underground blog and doing a bit of editing.  

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Hey, I even sat on my butt when I did a bit more work on my latest picture and cracked on with some up-cycling - hell, I was even on my arse for half of yoga!  In fact, the only thing I didn't do resting on my behind was paint the hallway.


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Yeah, I've no idea why I don't feel fully rested...

Night all!

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The Game

9/6/2014

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PictureRun away??!!
I have a confession to make.

For the last five hours and 14 minutes I have been checking my mobile incessantly.  Why?  Because that is how long it's been since I heard from a guy I've been chatting to online, a guy I've arranged to meet for a drink next week.  And it also happens to be how long since I sent him my picture...

Yes, yes, I know I'm being pathetic - he's probably busy seeing his friends or something and, if he isn't and he's decided to retreat in horror after seeing my mugshot, then, well, sod him!  But, as with all these things, it's all very well knowing the theory...

PictureMy homework...
And the theory is something I've been researching of late.  As you may recall, as few weeks ago I mentioned that a friend and I were going to join forces and explore the industry that is dating - or, more specifically, dating advice for women.  Well, I have to say, it's a fascinating subject.  I've been reading blogs and watching videos made by one dating guru who tells me that in order to find and keep my man I need to sign up to his online coaching course or risking being alone - for EVER.  I'm waiting for my copy of "The Rules" to arrive in the post and have been mesmerized by Neil Strauss' "The Game" - a look at the underground world of pick-up artists, which, whilst rather shocking, does not strike me as that dissimilar to the advice us girls are given all the time.  Last night I (shamefully) admit I went on a singles night where the ladies were advised that the key to nabbing a man was to wear heels and ask to use his phone.  Yes, really.  

At the end of the day, it all boils down to the same thing.  If you're a guy trying to get laid or a girl looking for the love of your life, all these people are telling us that we need to arm ourselves with an arsenal of manipulations to get what we want, pure and simple.  Apparently being your charming, honest self just won't cut it - in fact, it can lead to a lifetime on the shelf.  

Interesting?  I hope you think so.  Because there's more to come...

PictureSoho Joes - or Soho Nos?
Dating isn't the only thing I've been researching this week either.  I am on a mission to find the best pizza in London - a mission I am taking VERY seriously.  Read my brief here and watch this space for updates on Operation: Pizza.

Well, that's it from me tonight.  I'm off to bed - and taking my bloody phone with me.  Just in case...

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Back to basics

8/3/2014

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PictureAnd... breathe...
Evening all!
I hope you are all feeling nicely refreshed after the weekend?  I have to admit that, after three nights of camping, I'm quite tired - but then there's nothing quite like sitting around a smoldering BBQ at 11 o'clock at night, playing cards and supping Jameson's whiskey (a new and rather dangerous discovery for old Shell) to re-charge the batteries.  Okay, so as camping goes we were pretty well looked after (electricity supply, showers AND clean toilets?  Wow!) but cooking outdoors, sleeping with nothing more than a sheet of waterproof fabric between you and the elements and being without all those creature comforts we don't need but depend on is certainly good for the soul.  Even if not the back...

It isn't just going camping that has helped me detox my mind - if not my body (one thing at a time people!).  I've been reading a book by Gabbi Bernstein, Yoga and Meditation buff whose 108 Miracles Now breaks down developing your spiritual side - and maintaining your well-being - into easy to follow steps.  Whilst some of it isn't for me, it is full of handy hints to improve your relationship with the world and look at life with a more positive slant, something I admit I sometimes find tricky.  

PictureThe detox starts tomorrow...
On Thursday, I found myself seeing positives in what could have been a rather crushing situation.  After several rejection letters confused by some very positive feedback from publishers and competition judges, I decided to ask a professional to look at my first novel, Faith, Hope and Chocolate.  Deep down I knew it wasn't my best writing by any means but had grown attached to my characters - and still loved the concept.  Claire's feedback confirmed this - and her comments helped me see where it wasn't working and think about how I could develop the story line.  We concluded that the best course of action would be to start again - and, this time, write with a bit more of a purpose and a plan, something I admit not really doing the first time round.  So, watch this space people - just don't hold your breath, as I have novel number two to edit first, plus a couple of other ideas floating about...


Now, with all that in mind, I'm going to run myself a nice bath, read some more "Miracles" and write in my journal - the detox isn't complete yet!
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Viva Italia!

4/13/2014

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Ciao!
Yep, you guessed it - I've been to Italy.  At the grand old age of, erm, 21, I finally got to the country that has fascinated me ever since I saw Helena Bonham-Carter in A Room With A View as a teenager - and it didn't disappoint.
I stayed in the small city of Trieste, near the borders of Croatia and Slovenia, with my mate Lisa and her Italian Stallion (ahem!) Simone.  It was beautiful, with two castles, a Roman ampitheatre and the largest public square on a sea front in Europe.  And, after a two hour train journey, I found myself in Venice too and, whilst I was very impressed by San Marco piazza, it was the tiny streets and meandering canals that blew me away.
The food and drink wasn't half bad either - I had some of the best seafood I've ever tasted, amazing pizza and glelato, and discovered Faranghina wine and the local tipple, Aperol Spritz.  Nom....
So, this week, I thought I'd share with you lovely people my favourite pics from my foray.  I hope you like...

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My first meal in Italy...
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Either Lisa's legs have shrunk or her head got real big...
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What? Almost 2,000 year old? Get away!
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Viva Venetia!
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Just one Cornetto, give it to meeee....
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Buonanotte Italy...
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Views of Trieste.
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Ommm...
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It's a hard life...
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Italy goes green (sorry...)
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Lunch... Italian style.
So, back here in the UK, I'm feeling refreshed and inspired - if a little bit anxious about my impending move to Walthamstow - and becoming a home owner for the first time.  Gulp!  Now I just need the vendor's solicitor to get his butt in gear so I can move in before my current landlord chucks me out...
Anyway, I'd love to stay and talk, but I have to go on Freecycle to find some packing boxes to move all my tut.  It's going to be an interesting couple of weeks...
Arrivederci!
P.S.  Read more about my travels (this time in the UK) on my Underground Overground blog here!
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Going going... not quite gone

2/23/2014

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PictureMy pics at the City Pride
Happy Sunday everyone!
I hope you are all having a lovely weekend.  I've been trying to recuperate after a rather busy week.  Out of Hours opened on Tuesday with a little private view for some of my chums.  Much wine and pizza was consumed and I sold two pieces!  WOO HOO!  Now I just have to do it all over again this week, but perhaps with a little less of the vino...

PictureSale number one - Redundant
So apart from cleaning my flat and a spot of DIY (very proud of myself for unblocking my sink all on my own - knitting needles really do have multiple uses) today I'm going to read through novel numero uno again in the first time in, well, about 18 months.  I'm investigating getting it professionally edited and published as an ebook, but want to go through it again myself first to check I'm still happy to put it out there...

PictureScream - SOLD!
So that's pretty much me.  It's been a whirlwind of a week, and work and the flat buying saga haven't exactly been letting up whilst I've been muddling on with my creative pursuits.  Someone tweeted me the other day when I said I'd just paid a solicitor several hundred pounds to do things I didn't really understand, advising me that it was essentially to do not a lot as slowly as possible.  Simon, you have a point... I'm just happy to say that it's the vendor's solicitor who is causing the delay, not mine.  Unfortunately this means there isn't much I can do about it...

Laters!

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Out of time...

2/16/2014

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PictureSo now I just need to get this lot...
Greetings!
Well, it's Sunday, which means two things.  One, you should all be looking forward to sitting down to a lovely roast dinner and two... THERE'S ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT UNTIL MY EXHIBITION!!!
Well, it's been a manic few weeks, but I think I'm getting there.  The invites have been sent, the listings have been created and the tweets have been,  

Picture... and these lot...
erm, tweeted.  In fact, all I need to do now is print out some blurbs and labels, finalise my food and wine order for the private view (want to come?  Then contact me!) and sort out my play list.  Oh, and get all my work down to Clerkenwell on Monday night.  Ah...
So, I admit, life at Shelly Berry Towers (a.k.a. my little flat) has been a little bit blinkered to the up and coming Out of 

Picture... in here - and looking good!
Hours of late - but I have been keeping up with the writing, honest!  Novel number two is nearing its final 20,000 words, and I've been celebrating being single in the city at Anglo Info - in fact, I've come to the conclusion that Valentines Day is much better when enjoyed on your own.  Not convinced?  Well read my latest Underground Overground blog and let me persuade you...
Anyway, I better get off and organised so I can enjoy a bit of sunshine and a nice bit of Sunday dinner before the weekend comes to a close.  See you all at the City Pride for my show soon...

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    THE JUICE

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  • Home
  • Blogs and Journalism
  • Fiction
    • The Writer
    • The Lunch Break
    • The Walk
    • The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
    • Second Skin
    • Release
    • Open
  • Art and Craft
  • Events and Exhibitions
    • Hoe Street Market
    • High Street ADVENTures
    • Outreach: Meet the Author
    • E17 Art Trail - Yonder and St Saviours
    • Norah Zeale
    • Art @ The Mill
    • E17 Art Trail - SHELLY AND STAMPS
    • OUT OF HOURS exhibition
  • Contact Me!